What's this?The overall score for a tested model is based on CR's results from more than 50 tests and evaluations. You can easily see how its overall score compares with the "Highest" and "Lowest" rated vehicles in its category. The overall score was revised in spring 2014 to better reflect the state of the art for today's cars and how drivers use them.

This compact, five-seat SUV is BMW's least expensive model. That is evident in the feature set, interior quality, ride comfort, and limited space inside. Still, the X1 feels sporty to drive. Whether rear- or all-wheel drive, the base 240-hp, turbo four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission deliver quick acceleration and a good 23-mpg overall. The potent turbo 3.0-liter, six-cylinder gets a six-speed automatic. Steering feels sharp and communicative, though it can feel heavy at low speeds. Ride comfort is on the stiff side. Noise isolation and interior quality are a notch below BMW's usual high standards. You can get a basic model without BMW's complicated iDrive system. Reliability has been average.